A former teacher’s aide at an upper West Side elementary school sexually abused an 8-year-old disabled boy last year on a day when he would not likely be caught, prosecutors said as the alleged molester’s trial opened Tuesday.
Accused molester Gregory Atkins, 57, waited until boy’s regular teacher was absent to abuse him several times in a school bathroom.
Atkins, Assistant District Attorney Lauren Gretina told jurors, took away the second grader’s “safe place forever.”
The Feb. 2, 2012 incidents began with Atkins first taking the boy to the bathroom of the W. 78th St. elementary school and ordering him to strip and turn around, Gretina said.
Atkins then “looked him over and touched” his hip and inner thigh, Gretina added.
Later that day Atkins ordered the helpless victim to disrobe because he wanted to “lick” the boy’s genitals, the prosecutor said.
The boy, who has unidentified behavioral issues, reported the incident to his therapist after school that day, Gretina said.
“I have something top secret to tell you,” said the boy, who is expected to testify against Atkins.
Atkins is charged with first-degree sex abuse, endangering the welfare of a child and 10 counts of having child pornography.
He faces up to seven years in prison on the top count.
Atkins’ attorney, David Segal, said the prosecution would not be able to prove his client’s guilt.
“They will not be able to meet their burden,” the lawyer said.
Atkins was investigated on a report he acted inappropriately with a student at another Manhattan school prior to his arrest. He was not sanctioned as a result of the older investigation.
